The refreshing scent of plumerias greeted 30 families at Military ʻOhana Day on Saturday, June 28, organized by Hawaiʻi 4-H and CTAHR.
The keiki and their parents visited the fragrant plumeria orchards at the CTAHR Waimānalo Research Station, picked fresh blossoms, and learned to kui lei (sew a lei). The orchard is part of the pioneering work of Dr. Richard Criley, whose decades of research helped advance Hawaiʻi’s ornamental plant industry.
The event was led by Tina Mahina Mueller, the 4-H Military Program Coordinator for Cooperative Extension at CTAHR, and was designed to help families appreciate the history and culture of Hawaiʻi.
One mother remarked, “Thank you so much. This is very special for us as a family. My youngest son is 17, and this may be our last youth event together.” Her words are a beautiful reminder of how meaningful these moments can be for our military families.
See more photos on CTAHRʻs Flickr